Management Structure

Steering Committee

[Shoal Bass Brood] One representative from each of the member State fishery resources agencies (both freshwater and marine) and from the FWS, NMFS, GSMFC, GMFMC and SAFMC makes up the SARP Steering Committee which is the decision making body for the SARP. It is co-chaired by a representative from one member state and one Federal agency on a rotating basis. The Steering Committee has oversight responsibility all SARP activities.

Read the SARP Memorandum of Understanding for more information.

SARP Coordinator

A full time coordinator position for SARP was funded beginning in 2005 on a year to year basis. The coordinator provides primary staff support to the Steering Committee. The Coordinator is responsible for disseminating information, coordinating and facilitating overall implementation of actions and projects within the SARP, outreach activities, and pursuing funding and grant opportunities. Current major projects include leading the development of the Southeast Aquatic Habitat Plan and leading the development of Watershed Condition Assessment tools for the Southeastern US. Scott Robinson, (scott_robinson@dnr.state.ga.us), based in Social Circle, Georgia, at the Walton State Fish Hatchery, has served in the SARP Coordinator role since September 2005. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division currently provides office space and administrative support for the coordinator position.

Executive Advisory Board

The SARP Executive Advisory Board (EAB), though not actually formed at this time, is part of the SARP management structure design. The SARP Executive Advisory Board will be composed of influential persons with interests in aquatic resources representing a wide spectrum of endeavor that may include political officeholders, government leaders at all levels, leaders of industry and conservation or fishing organizations or private citizens. The EAB will meet as needed in close consultation with the Steering Committee. The EAB will provide broad constituency advice to the Steering Committee on specific issues, assist the Steering Committee in seeking support for SARP funding initiatives; and assist the SARP with marketing and outreach to raise the awareness of SARP among the general public and elected officials.

The Southeast Natural Resource Leaders Group

The SENRLG is comprised of the regional Federal executives who lead agencies with natural resource conservation responsibilities in the Southeast. It includes the FWS, NMFS, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Federal Highway Administration, Natural Resources Conservation Service, the Tennessee Valley Authority, US Army Corps of Engineers, US Forest Service, and US Geological Survey. The SARP Steering Committee will coordinate its activities with the SENRLG to ensure support and collaboration with all appropriate Federal programs and activities in the Southeast.

Key Issue Area Workgroups

Workgroups corresponding to the six Key Issue Areas will be responsible for defining and refining tasks and targets for population and habitat management goals. These Workgroups, co-chaired by two members of the Steering Committee, include representatives from state agencies, federal agencies, non-governmental organizations, private industry, and academia. The workgroups are tasked to:

Identify and bring together appropriate partners and stakeholders with the expertise and management authority to accomplish the goals and targets identified in the SARP Strategic Plan.
Identify targets/goals for actions and tasks for each Key Issue Area.
Identify estimated costs to obtain the identified targets/goals.

During 2003, the SARP held workshops for each workgroup. These workgroups will continue to work together, including new partners as necessary, to better refine the tasks and targets and to ultimately oversee the implementation of on-the-ground projects.